The Papua New Guinea Hunters' strong start to the Queensland Cup rugby league season has seen them win more than just their opening two matches.

Playing in front of 1,500 fans last weekend in Kokopo in East New Britain Province, the Hunters posted an upset 24 to 16 victory over reigning premiers, the Mackay Cutters.

But in their debut season, it is the way the Hunters treated the visiting side which is winning them plenty of fans off the field.

The chief executive of the Mackay Cutters, Glenn Ottaway, wrote on the club's website that "most players indicated it was the best life experience the game has given them."

Mr Ottaway told Pacific Beat from the moment the team got off the plane they knew they were in for something special.

"The people of Kokopo were fantastic and the players were treated like they were gods," he said.

"We don't get that sort of reception everywhere you go and when you've got little kids chasing the bus, you've got immigration and customs staff taking photos of you as you walk across the [airport] tarmac, it's a real experience I'm sure they'll never forget."

Playing their first home game of the season, the Hunters ensured the local fans had plenty to cheer about.